Retractile Testicle

A retractile testicle is a testicle that sometimes moves from the scrotum (the pouch of skin behind the penis) into the groin. This movement is common and usually happens naturally. During a physical exam, a doctor can easily push the testicle back into the scrotum. After that, the testicle often stays in place, at least for a while.

For many boys, this temporary movement is a normal part of development. As a boy matures, usually before or during puberty, the testicle settles permanently in the scrotum.

However, in some cases, the testicle doesn't return to the scrotum on its own. If this happens, and the testicle is no longer movable, it's called an undescended testicle (or in some cases, an ascending testicle). This is different from the temporary retractile condition, and it's important to see a doctor if you think this might be the case.

A baby's testicles develop inside the belly during pregnancy. Later, they usually move down into the scrotum. This often happens naturally within a few months after birth. Sometimes, a testicle starts in the right place, but it can pull back up into the groin. This is called a retractile testicle.

A retractile testicle is different from one that never descended into the scrotum. That's called an undescended testicle.

With a retractile testicle, you might notice these things:

• You can move the testicle from the groin down to the scrotum by hand. It should stay there. It shouldn't immediately go back up.
• The testicle might move into the scrotum on its own, staying there for a while.
• The testicle might go back up into the groin by itself, for a while.

Doctors check a baby's testicles during regular checkups to make sure they're healthy and in the right place. If you're worried about your son's testicles, talk to his doctor. They can tell you if it's a retractile testicle, and how often he should have follow-up checkups to watch for any changes.

Doctors routinely check a baby boy's testicles during well-baby visits and yearly checkups. They make sure the testicles have moved into the scrotum and are growing normally. If you think your son's testicle hasn't fully descended, is moving back into the body (retraction), or if you have any other questions about his testicle development, talk to his doctor. The doctor will advise you on how often to bring him in for follow-up appointments to monitor the situation.

A testicle can sometimes pull up into the groin, a condition called a retractile testicle. This happens because of a muscle called the cremaster muscle. This muscle is like a thin, pouch-like covering around the testicle. When the cremaster muscle tightens, or contracts, it pulls the testicle closer to the body.

This tightening can be triggered in several ways. A simple action like rubbing the inner thigh can stimulate the cremaster muscle. Strong emotions like fear or laughter can also cause it to contract. Even a cold environment can activate this muscle.

If the cremaster muscle contracts very strongly, it can pull the testicle out of the scrotum and up into the groin. This is a normal response, but if it happens often or a testicle stays pulled up, it's essential to talk to a doctor.

There's no known reason why some men's testicles are sometimes pulled in closer to their bodies. Doctors don't currently understand what causes this condition, and there aren't any specific things we know that increase a person's chances of having this happen. In other words, there are no identified factors like diet, lifestyle, or genetics that are linked to retractile testicles.

Having testicles that can move in and out of the scrotum isn't usually a problem. However, there's a slightly increased chance that a retractile testicle might, over time, move higher up into the abdomen, which is sometimes called an ascending testicle. This isn't a serious issue in itself, but it's something to be aware of.

If a boy's testicle isn't in the scrotum, a doctor will first find out exactly where it is, usually in the groin area. The doctor will then gently try to move the testicle back into the scrotum.

The boy might be lying down, sitting, or standing during the exam. If he's a young child, the doctor might have him sit with his feet together and knees out to the sides. These positions make it easier to see and adjust the testicle's location.

If the testicle is easily moved and stays in the correct place, it's likely a "retractile testicle." This means the testicle moves back into the groin easily but usually stays in the scrotum once it's there.

However, if the testicle quickly goes back into the groin as soon as the doctor tries to move it, it's more likely that the testicle isn't fully descended. This is sometimes called an undescended testicle. It's important to note that this is only a possibility, and the doctor will confirm the diagnosis with further tests.